Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 860: The Little Tagalong In the blink of an eye, six years had passed. Joyce and Aveline were now ready to start first grade.

Aurora had originally planned for both children to attend school in Clothville. When they reached high school or college, she figured they could decide for themselves whether to stay in Clothville or move elsewhere. It made sense since her career was thriving in Clothville, and everything felt more convenient there.

But Joyce had grown used to life in New York and adamantly refused to return to Clothville.

These two children, though only six, were more mature than their peers, already capable of independent thought. Their personalities couldn't have been more different-one warm, one cool, with vastly opposing preferences.

"Mommy, I don't mind. I'm happy to go back to Clothville for school," Aveline said decisively. She had always preferred Clothville.

Joyce, on the other hand, pouted stubbornly. "Mommy, I'm doing just fine in New York. Grandma, Rebecca, and Isla are all here. I want to stay in New York for school." Caught between the two, Aurora felt a headache coming on. One wanted to return to Clothville, the other wanted to stay in New York-it was a dilemma.

"Joyce," Aurora said patiently, "it's not that Mommy doesn't want you to stay in New York. It's just that both Daddy and I are building our lives in Clothville, and your sister is going back too. How can we leave you here on your own? What if we wait until high school? By then, you'll be more independent and can decide for yourself whether to study in New York. How about that?" "How long until high school?" Joyce asked suspiciously.

"Nine years," Aurora replied.

"Nine years?!" Joyce shook her head furiously. "Mommy, no! I don't want to leave New York!" Aurora sighed. Both she and Julian believed in respecting their children's opinions, even when they were young. They didn't want to force anything on them. Children were individuals, after all, and deserved respect from an early age.

"Julian, why is Joyce being so stubborn today?" Aurora asked her husband, frustration creeping into her voice. Julian, noticing the worry on her face, quickly pulled her to sit down beside him. "Little Bunny, don't stress yourself out. You're five months pregnant-what if you upset the baby?" Joyce and Aveline immediately gathered around her, concern etched on their little faces. "Mommy, don't be upset. Don't be upset," they pleaded.

Aurora, trying to get to the root of the problem, leaned toward Joyce. "Joyce, tell Mommy the truth. Why don't you want to go back to Clothville?" she asked gently. Joyce hesitated, then confessed the real reason. "Mommy, because Uncle Asher is in New York. I want to see Uncle Asher all the time. I don't want to be apart from him." Aurora sighed deeply. From the day Joyce was born, she had been attached to Asher. Over the years, Asher had spent more tcaring for Joyce than anyone else.

"Joyce, you can see Uncle Asher during winter and summer breaks. He also travels sometimes and can visit you," Aurora said, rubbing her daughter's head in a comforting gesture.

"But I want to see Uncle Asher every day, Mommy! At least three times a week!" Joyce clung to Aurora's hand, her voice filled with determination.

Asher, standing nearby, was caught off guard by her devotion. "Aurora, if Joyce insists on staying, I can take care of her. I've been looking after her all these years anyway-I'm used to it," he offered.

Just a heads up: is the only place to read the complete version of this book for free. Don't miss out on the next chapter-visit us now and continue your journey! "No way!" Aurora shook her head firmly. "You're 28 and still haven't found a wife. If you're always taking care of this little one, what woman would even consider getting close to you?" Six years had passed, and even Mona had finally gotten married and had children. But Asher? He hadn't even considered dating, let alone settling down. Aurora couldn't shake her guilt-if Joyce stayed with Asher, people might think she was his illegitimate child. Even if they knew she was Aurora's daughter, any potential partner would likely be put off by the situation. Aurora simply couldn't agree to it.

"You're really worrying too much about my love life," Asher said with a laugh. "These days, aren't men in their thirties the most desirable? Besides, I'm not even 30 yet-I've got time. No need to rush." Asher didn't seem to care, and honestly, he enjoyed Joyce's company. She brightened his life, adding joy and fun to his otherwise solitary existence.

"Still, I can't agree to this," Aurora insisted. "Ashy, you've done so much foralready. I can't let you sacrifice even more." "What sacrifice?" Asher countered. "Didn't you transfer all the New York company shares to me? It's my company now-I'm just working hard for myself. You're the one who's overly responsible." Aurora knew better. No one but her understood just how much Asher had done for her over the years.

"Ashy," Aurora said firmly, "28 isn't young anymore. If you start dating now, it'll take at least a year of two to build a relationship. By the tyou're 30, it'll be perfect for marriage.

But how can you focus on dating with Joyce tagging along?" "Mommy, you're being mean! I'm not a burden!" Joyce burst into tears, convinced that she was the cause of all the trouble.

Joyce rarely cried, and her sudden outburst threw everyone into a panic. Julian quickly scooped her into his arms. "Joyce, don't cry, don't cry," he cooed soothingly.

Just a heads up: is the only place to read the complete version of this book for free. Don't miss out on the next chapter-visit us now and continue your journey! "Daddy, will you letstay in New York? Please?" Joyce sniffled, her little face tear-streaked.

Julian, like always, melted under her pleading gaze. "Alright, alright.

Whatever you want, my little princess. Don't cry, okay? Daddy's heart hurts when you cry." "Julian, you can't just agree to this. This isn't asmall matter," A Aurora said, frowning. But Joyce, hearing her mother's objection, started crying again, even louder this time. "Mommy, if you don't let her stay, I'll go deaf from all the crying," Aveline said, her face stoic. "I don't want to deal with this every day when we move back to Clothville." "Exactly, Aurora," Tina chimed in. "With so many of us here in New York, and Ashy isn't an outsider, let Joyce stay with him if that's what she wants."

John Walsh added his voice to the chorus. "Aurora, you're pregnant now, and soon you'll have a newborn to care for. With more kids, you'll only get more токе exhausted. If Joyce wants to stay in New York, we can all help look after her-it'll lighten your load." Aurora was outnumbered. She looked at Joyce, who clearly understood how to get what she wanted. Realizing she couldn't win against the united front, Aurora finally relented. "Mommy won't be coming to New York for a while," she said softly. "After the baby is born, I'll be even busier. What will you do if you miss Mommy?" "Then I'll video call you, Mommy. And when I have breaks, Uncle Asher can taketo visit you. Problem solved!" Joyce said with a triumphant grin.

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